As part of an extension to the European Union Working Time Directive, the working week will be limited to 48 hours.

Some workers will also be entitled to four weeks’ paid annual leave, health assessments if working nights and adequate rest. Among those expected to gain from the extension are taxi drivers and airline baggage handlers.

The extension from August 1 will bring another 770,000 workers under the directive. Others, such as airline flying personal and junior doctors are expected to come under the directive at a later stage, sometime within the next few years.